Today is launch day for space shuttle Discovery as it goes into space for its final mission. This launch is particularly significant for St. Petersburg College because former SPC student and Clearwater resident Nicole Stott will be on board as a member of the crew.

She was SPC’s commencement speaker at last June’s graduation.

Stott has invited several members of the SPC family to attend the launch at the Kennedy Space Center, and we plan on running a story about the experience in this week’s Blue & White. Meanwhile, be sure to follow the launch, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. today.